38 In 2019, Auday and Abrahamsen published a comprehensive manual for the Baltimore City Public Schools special education program. This invaluable resource outlined the roles and responsibilities of the program, providing a framework for implementing special education services during the 2019-2020 academic year. One of the primary goals of the Kennedy Krieger Institute (K.K.I.) was to ensure that the public-schools system had the necessary staff and resources to provide me with the assistance I needed. K.K.I. remained actively involved in my education journey, coordinating weekly appointments at their office or sending a counselor to my school to meet with me. Baltimore City Public Schools Special Education Program Baltimore city public schools (2020)
39 Elementary School Photos George G. Kelson Elementary School Malcolm X Elementary School Grove Park Elementary School Edgecombe Circle Elementary School Westside Elementary School
40 Grade Level Placement GRADE LEVEL KINDERGARTEN Special Education Services George G. Kelson
41 Mother Tongue Language Mother tongue is the first language that a person has learned from birth and has grown up speaking (Languages unlimited, 2023). Yesmin, F., et al., (2013) states that children with autism spectrum disorders affect brain areas controlling language, social interaction, and language thoughts. Pillai, M. & Batok (2016), explains the exemption criteria and learning of students with special education needs. Mother Tongue Language (MTL) is a “student with special education needs which may be considered for exemption from MTL if he or she has certified Special Educational Needs that severely affect his or her ability to cope with learning MTL and with overall learning.”
42 Malcom X Transcripts
43 I vividly remember struggling with my speech and stuttering. My bus this year was bigger than the previous year. However, I couldn't help but notice that there were many buses lined up after school. One day, I made a mistake and got on the wrong bus, resulting in me getting lost. Thankfully, another bus was kind enough to bring me home. As a result, I had to wear a sign around my neck indicating which bus I belonged to to avoid any further confusion. GRADE LEVEL Communication Center Grover Park Elementary
44 Grover Park Transcripts
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46 I do not have my school records to verify that I attended Edgecombe Circle Elementary School. However, I do remember attending this school. I validated this with one of my brothers who used to walk me to school some days. I also had a yellow bus taking me to school. I can remember the long walk from the street to the school door and being in room 113. I think my short stay at this school was due to us moving to a new area of the city, resulting in a change of school. The school may not have had enough time to generate a file for me. GRADE LEVEL Special Education Edgecombe Circle Elementary School
47 Structured Learning Environment is a self-contained behavioral unit designed to provide the structure, intensive skill instruction, support, and safety that students need for them to gain skills to be successful in a less restrictive environment (Education service center, 2024). Such a class requires a dedicated behavior teacher and at least one paraprofessional. SLE staff along with administration, counseling, and even district special education support will attend three days of training and receive an entire research-based curriculum to address the deficits these students are facing (Education service center, 2024). GRADE LEVEL Structures Learning Environment Westside Elementary
48 Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Sixth Grade Assessment
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53 Myth 4 People with LD are not very smart. Reality. Kids with learning disabilities are just as smart as other kids. (Sharma, 2021). Intelligence has nothing to do with LD. In fact, people with LD have average to above average intelligence. Many have intellectual al, artistic, or other abilities that permit them to be defined as gifted. Studies indicate that as many as 33% of students with LD are gifted (Sharma, 2021). CHAPTER EIGHT Middle School
54 Middle School Photos Father Charles A. Hall Catholic School Harlem Park Middle School
55 As I progressed through my classes, the bullying continued. I would often lash out at them by assaulting students, teachers, or anyone I felt threatened by. In the hallways, students would pass by and push me, hurling hurtful insults like "move seizure boy" or "move Retardo." As a result, I found myself suspended from school at least three times a month. My frustration would often boil over, and I would grab the closest object and start hitting anything in my path. I remember one incident in the cafeteria where we had metal trays. When someone stuck their finger in my food, I reacted impulsively and hit them in the head with the tray. Due to my behavior, I spent a significant amount of time in the principal's office or the security office for counseling. There were times where I wasn't allowed to go to class. I had to sit in the office to do my work. No More Bullying
56 My zoned middle school was notorious for its high levels of violence, and my mother knew it wouldn't be a safe environment for me due to my behavior issues. I remember her taking me to school to obtain my transcripts and I.E.P. (Individualized Education Program), although I didn't fully understand the significance of those documents at the time. Instead, she enrolled me in St. Peter Claver Catholic School, where my stepfather paid about $100 a month for tuition. My mother enrolled me in Father Charles A. Hall for seventh grade. Transitioning to a new school was a significant change for me. Unlike my previous school, where I had never changed classes, I suddenly had to change rooms for each subject in my new school. This was highly stressful. GRADE LEVEL 7 th Grade From Public Schools to Catholic School
57 Harlem Park The tuition cost at the catholic school had increased, and my mother could no longer afford it. I returned to Baltimore City Public School System. I only attended Harlem Park for the 8th grade. My mother had two options for high school. The school system recommended Francis M. Woods. Francis M. Woods was one of several Alternative/Special Education schools serving students with special needs. GRADE LEVEL 8 th Grade From Catholic School Back to Public Schools
58 Harlem Park Report Card
59 Services at Kennedy Krieger Terminated It seems that once I entered middle school, my mother did not feel that I needed to continue receiving services from KKI (Kennedy Krieger Institute) as my behavior had improved. However, upon reviewing my records, she may have overlooked the mail that KKI sent her regarding my appointments.
60 We had moved to another section of the city at this time, and my school was Harlem Park Middle. This school was quite large, spanning two blocks, and adjusting to the new environment took some time. Coming from a classroom with fewer than 20 students, I now find myself in classes with up to 30 students. Middle School Photo
61 CHAPTER NINE High School 9 Myth 1 LD only affects children. Adults grow out of the disorders (Sharma, 2021). Reality. It is now known that the effects of LD continue throughout the individual’s lifespan and “may even intensify in adulthood as tasks and environmental demands change (Sharma, 2021).” Sadly, many adults, especially older adults, have never been formally diagnosed with LD. Learning disabilities cannot be outgrown, but they can be identified reliably in kindergarten or first-grade children, or even earlier. Research clearly demonstrates that the earlier a child is given appropriate help for a learning disability, the more successful the outcome (Sharma, 2021).
62 High School Photos Southwestern Senior High Upton School Foundation Home and Hospital Program
63 High School Admission High school was a pivotal event for both students and parents, with the perception that graduating from a prestigious school would increase the chances of success. However, I knew I would face academic challenges due to my learning disabilities. Nevertheless, I attended my zoned school, Southwestern Senior High. Transitioning to a massive high school was daunting because the class strength here exceeded 30 students. Southwestern was, in fact, the second-largest high school in Baltimore City. I struggled with adjustment issues and ended up failing my first year.
64 Filled with excitement as I entered senior high school, often referred to as the "big boy school." It was a place where students had more autonomy and responsibility in managing their time and getting to class on time. The school was enormous, with eight floors, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, baseball and football fields, basketball and tennis courts, and many student clubs and organizations. However, the size of the school also brought about increased anxiety for me. I experienced a cultural shock, and this, combined with the challenges of my learning disabilities, resulted in me failing the 9th grade. Southwestern Senior High School GRADE LEVEL 9th to 12th
65 During high school, the Department of Education implemented changes to desegregate classrooms. Students who were functioning at or above grade level were placed in the same classes as students with special education needs who were performing two to three grades below their grade level. Additionally, a strict attendance policy was enforced, whereby students Failed 9th Grade
66 I Will Fire Your Ass The pressure to keep up with my studies while dealing with physical and mental stressors took a toll on me. Moreover, considering that the breakeven point to fail the year was set at 40 days of missed attendance, I had missed over 60 days that year. While repeating the 9th grade, I took a job at McDonalds. Seeing my original classmates moving ahead to the 10th grade was not very pleasant. The stress and anxiety depressed me. At one point, I contemplated harming myself, and dropping out of school and focus on work. I approached my manager, Mr. New, and asked if he could give me daytime hours since I was no longer going to attend school. He took me to the breakroom and sternly said, "You're making a big mistake. You are one of the best workers here. Do you know that we have many employees who have not finished school? If I find out you dropped out, I will FIRE YOUR DAMN ASS." Bonnie (B. Justice) New 1st Assistance Manager School Work OR Dropping Out of School
67 The School’s Police Came to Arrest Me I returned to school with a feeling of having nothing to lose. Just like the previous year, I started my second year of 9th grade-missing days, finding myself in a familiar situation. My self-esteem was low, and I seriously contemplated dropping out of school. Then one day, while sitting in my English class, the assistant principal came to my class around 1:30 pm and asked me to come with him. He walked me to the counselor's office, where two men wearing suits with a briefcase sitting on the opposite side of the table greeted me. They introduced themselves as counselors from the Upton School Foundation Home and Hospital Program, explaining that my school’s counselor had referred me to their program. At this point, I felt a sense of apprehension, fearing that my attendance would be the cause of being expelled or arrested. I perceived these men to be detectives. However, one of the counselors reassured me, saying, "We are here to assist you so that you won't miss more days and to help you with your assignments when you are hospitalized." The Upton School Foundation Home And Hospital Program GRADE LEVEL 9th to 12th
68 History of the Upton School Foundation ON FYI The section that started this article could not be located.
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74 Transportation Service I was hospitalized about three times during the year. The Home and Hospital Services counselors were instrumental in helping me with my assignments, even while I was at home recuperating. I worked with them over the telephone for my lessons, ensuring I didn't fall behind in my studies. Once I returned to school, the Home and Hospital Program also provided transportation to school and work program. Repeat 9th Grade
75 Employment and Training Program The Home and Hospital School also had an employment and training program designed to help students with disabilities improve their social skills and job readiness while earning a paycheck. The program entails 15 hours of training per week. During the program, we learned various skills, such as stripping and staining antique furniture and using tools to cut wood and create toys like cars, trucks, and shapes. I was promoted to team leader based on my skills and improvement in social skills. Next, I was promoted to Shop Manager, leading the entire team.
76 I was relieved and elated when I successfully passed the 9th grade on my second attempt. Advancing to my sophomore year, I recalled that I had seriously considered dropping out of school and enrolling in Job Corps at one point. Still, I was determined to stay at Southwestern and prove to myself that I could overcome my fears and achieve my goal of graduating from high school. During my second year of 9th grade, my attendance improved significantly. I only missed 19 days, thanks to the support of the Home and Hospital Program. I might have faced another year of failure without their assistance due to attendance issues. 10th Grade Year Report Card
77 I was thrilled to enter junior year and wanted to challenge myself by attending school with minimal assistance from the Home and Hospital School. I was determined to see if I could work independently. However, I faced challenges in subjects like math and history, and I struggled to keep up. One of the highlights of my junior year was my first prom. I was excited about it, but I was worried about the cost. Fortunately, my brothers Anthony and Avery and my manager Barney at McDonald's played crucial roles in making it happen for me. Avery rented a tux for me, Anthony taught me how to do the Electric Slide, and Mr. New, my manager, gave me more hours on the weekends to help with my expenses. 11th Grade Year Report Card
78 During my junior year, I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the street law program hosted by the University of Baltimore School of Law. The classes were held every Thursday from 1 pm to 2 pm. Looking back, I believe my selection for the program was based on my involvement in several fights. The first three weeks of the program took place in Southwestern. Whereas, for the last two weeks of the program, we were able to attend classes at the law school. At the end of the program, each student receives a certificate of completion. This was a proud moment for me, as I had received recognition for my academic achievements. Southwestern Industry Street Law Program
79 During my senior year, I was placed in the Business Law course, which aimed to educate students about the different legal requirements for starting a business. The course took a hands-on approach, and my group was assigned to create a business venture from scratch. Our class named our business "Southwestern Industries." We sold snacks to our fellow students and teachers. I was selected as the Vice-President of our company, which allowed me to gain valuable leadership experience. I was responsible for overseeing the daily operations and collaborating with others. During my junior year, I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the street law program hosted by the University of Baltimore School of Law. The classes were held every Thursday from 1 pm to 2 pm. Looking back, I believe my selection for the program was based on my involvement in several fights. The first three weeks of the program took place in Southwestern. Whereas, for the last two weeks of the program, we were able to attend classes at the law school. At the end of the program, each student receives a certificate of completion.
80 Project Program During my senior year, school counselors enrolled in the Business Law course, which aimed to educate students about the different legal requirements for starting a business. The course took a hands-on approach, where I was assigned to create a business venture from scratch. Our class named our business "Southwestern Industries." We sold snacks to our fellow students and teachers. I was elected as the Vice-President of our company, which allowed me to gain valuable leadership experience. I was responsible for overseeing the daily operations and collaborating with other classes. During my junior year, I was selected to participate in the street law program hosted by the University of Baltimore School of Law. The classes were held every Thursday from 1pm to 2 pm. Looking back, I was placed in this program due to my involvement in fights.
81 During the Peer Project Program, the facilitators focused on the stereotypes and challenges that young black males encounter in Baltimore City. Through films and group discussions, we delved into the struggles these individuals face in their efforts to become productive members of society. As a student with a history of getting into fights, resulting in being suspended from school, the program significantly affected me. Peer Project Certificate
82 Mid Quarter Progress Report PROGRESS REPORT... During my senior year, I experienced a significant increase in my anxiety levels. The fear of failing my final year of high school weighed heavily on me, more so than failing ninth grade. At least back then, I understood the grading system. Unfortunately, the pressure placed on seniors by the principal caused many of us to suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. When I received my progress report, I was overwhelmed and blacked out. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital. I have reached my breaking point due to the stress of potentially failing my senior year. Despite my best efforts to meet the requirements, I was struggling with passing tests and reading at grade level. Once again, I need support from the home and hospital program 12th Grade Progress Report
83 I was placed in the Business Law course during my senior year. The purpose of this class was to teach students about the laws that applied to businesses compared to those that applied to individuals. The course was hands on. We learned about bylaws and how to create a plan for our business. 12th 12th Grade Report Card
84 High School Completion Checklist Momma I’m Going to Graduate I made my way home with the letter. When I showed it to my father, he beamed with pride and hugged me. He then asked, “What’s next?” In addition, without hesitation, I replied, “I’m going to be a manager at McDonald’s.” Excited to share the news with my mother, who lived in Florida, I called her and shouted, “Ma, Ma, guess what I got?” She cautioned me to stop yelling before I got too excited, but I couldn’t contain my excitement as I told her I was going to graduate from high school.
85 I was already excited about graduating, but receiving the letter from the Baltimore City Public School's Administration Office made me feel even more special. It was as if the school board had personally singled me out and sent me the letter. Congratulations from BCPS Administration cPS
86 S.A.T. Scores S.A.T. Failed According to the Princeton Review (2021), the SAT score range is between 200 and 800, comprising Math, Reading, and Writing sections. The lowest grade on an SAT is 400. I remember the day of the SAT test. It was on a Saturday morning at 9:00 am in the cafeteria. We studied all week for the test, and I participated in study exercises and trivia games. My teachers were aware of my test anxiety, but I don’t recall any accommodation for students with special needs.
87 High School Diploma https://networthpost.org/net-worth/michael-olesker-net-worth/ Master of Ceremony Michael Olesker On June 10, I experienced the most incredible day of my academic journey, akin to hitting the jackpot. Yet, deep down, I felt a sense of shame, considering that it took me three years past the projected age of graduating from high school. I couldn't help but think that the world had left me behind and that those who had graduated within the typical timeframe had already obtained their college degrees. During the graduation ceremony, Michael Olesker, the esteemed host from Channel 13, took charge as our Master of Ceremony. He extended his congratulations to the entire class and imparted some wise words reminiscent of how the future is solely in our hands, and we must make the most of it. As I glanced through the crowd, my eyes landed on my mother and other close family members, beaming with pride at my achievement.